HSMAI to Host Hospitality Innovation ThinkTank at Phocuswright Conference

At this year’s Phocuswright Conference in Los Angeles, Phocuswright is partnering with the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) to host a ThinkTank on innovation featuring top hospitality companies. The ThinkTank, which will be held on Tuesday, November 13, will include research presented by HSMAI president and CEO Bob Gilbert as well as a panel with three C-level hospitality executives, who will share their perspectives on hospitality marketing innovation.

The Phocuswright Conference features the biggest names in the travel industry, with a focus on technology, innovation, and the best networking in travel.

The hospitality marketing innovation ThinkTank will be interactive, with opportunities for participants to answer questions and share conclusions.

Phocuswright’s senior vice president, sales and marketing, Pete Comeau says, “We are excited to partner with HSMAI to bring together sales and marketing leaders in the hospitality industry to discuss innovation in hospitality marketing. We look forward to working with HSMAI and hospitality executives to learn about key innovation initiatives moving the industry forward.”

HSMAI president and CEO Bob Gilbert adds, “In 2018, HSMAI has made innovation in hospitality marketing a key focus area. We are excited to facilitate a session dedicated to identifying sources and best practices of innovation from executives attending this year’s Phocuswright Conference.”

The hotel/hospitality sector is especially well represented at this year’s Phocuswright Conference, and attendees will have the opportunity to hear from and meet with numerous executives, innovators and investors who directly interface with the hotel industry.

A few sessions of note:

• Keynote: Maud Bailly, Accor Hotels

Strong leadership and fresh ideas have energized Europe's largest hotel company as it bravely navigates the digital age. Find out how Accor's chief digital officer is nurturing talent and creating a culture that will redefine the chain's role in global hotel distribution for years to come.

• Executive Interview: Kellyn Smith Kenny, Hilton Hotels
• Hospitality distribution, direct booking campaigns, loyalty programs, and evolving the hotel guest experience are only a few items at the top of this new CMO's agenda. Listen in on fresh ideas and what's to come for the hospitality giant.

• In a special joint presentation, STR and Phocuswright will be presenting key hotel trends based on benchmarking data that will bring to light their projections for the hotel industry. Hoteliers will be invited to participate based on limited availability.

See this list of companies attending in 2018 and learn more about why The Phocuswright Conference is the best meeting place for the hospitality and lodging segment.

Register now to take advantage of special pricing. If you are a hotelier, please email us to benefit from discounted hotelier pricing.

About HSMAI
The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is committed to growing business for hotels and their partners, and is the industry’s leading advocate for intelligent, sustainable hotel revenue growth. The association provides hotel professionals and their partners with tools, insights, and expertise to fuel sales, inspire marketing, and optimize revenue through programs such as HSMAI Digital Marketing Strategy Conference, Adrian Awards, and Revenue Optimization Conference. Founded in 1927 and celebrating 90 years in 2017, HSMAI is a membership organization comprising more than 5,000 members worldwide, with 40 chapters in the Americas Region.